2002 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews - Page 74 of 81

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.9 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Saves dollars on fuel costs

Faults:

Overall this has been a pretty good vehicle. More repairs than I am used to however. At 8,000 miles minor things began happening.

First... Passenger door would not open from the inside. After 2 dealer service appointments the door was repaired. Wrong!... Now the door would not open from the outside! Repaired twice and after 5,000 miles the door decides on its own when it will open from the outside. Over three weeks to correct a brake problem.

Vehicle went in for 10,000 service. While driving home brakes began dragging. Smoke poured out of brakes when I arrived. After numerous calls to dealer, and an entire day wasted; car was towed to dealership. Dealer said the brake light switch was not adjusted properly. Well bad guess... car was in shop for several days for this professional repair! OK picked up car.. on way home same thing happened again! Back to dealer, another rental car... and this time the VW rep discovered the problem; a faulty brake boost servo. Plastic parts of generally poor quality. Hate the seat reclining knobs! Why not a lever like most cars? Mexican quality shows rather than German craftsmanship!

Postitives are I think the diesel engine is fantastic! Mileage is constant 50 plus MPG. I put a trailer hitch on it and it pulls a small utility trailer and a small fishing boat with little effort. (That was after dealership told me there was no hitch for the car.. WRONG again.

Dealership knowledge for the diesel has been only fair. So far warranty has covered the repairs.

General Comments:

I enjoy the handling of this car and it is comfortable. I would like to see the TDI engine in other VW models in the future.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

A rip off!

Faults:

I discourage anyone who wants to buy a VW Jetta. I bought a 2002 1.8 Turbo Jetta and have had nothing but problems. I've had the car for 15 months and I have taken in for repair of faulty coils 4 times. I've taken it in to three different service locations and each one likes to point the finger to the previous mechanic. Aditionaly, they promise that their service location will fix the problem. I've almost got killed on the freeway twice because the engine light goes on unexpectedly, the car begins to rattle, and then the vehicle slows down and causes potential danger to me, and those driving around me. Luckily, I managed to pull over to the side of the road. I'm looking into the lemon law and will definitely post my results.

16th May 2003, 14:56

Please let me know what is happening to you in your ordeal with your 1.8t Jetta. I also have a 2002 and I have had many problems with my Jetta! I wish I could get a new car and give up this one! I have had problems with the ignition coils three times and now I need a mass air flow sensor! Luckily my car is under warranty still. My e-mail is liz_21_11520@yahoo.com

21st Jul 2005, 19:06

I've actually listed my problems with my 29002 Jetta 1.8T on another thread, but I wanted to add a comment here because of your safety concerns. Yes, you valid reason for concern. An ignition coil failed while I was at a stop light at a VERY busy Los Angeles intersection. As I accelerated the car shook so violently that I knew I had to pull over. While switching lanes and slowing down, the car lurched forward and I caused an accident. Good luck trying to have VW assigned a portion of the accident liability! I know, I'm the driver, the ultimate responsibility lies with me. When it's working, I LOVE this car---handles wonderfully, great speed and acceleration. Other times----it just sucks the life out of you!

I am convinced this car was made on a Friday night shift. To anyone who dares to get a Jetta - good luck. Just know what you're getting yourself into.

And the VW dealer... one week after we brought in my car for regular servicing, the engine light went on again. Naturally we complained, and now they have refused to take our car again! And this dealership received a customer service award!